13 May, 2018 to 18 May, 2018

USD 1375

This workshop will be infused with lectures and conversations on animals in art, past and present. Tutors will give live demos and regular individual critiques throughout the week.

From the early works of George Stubbs, through Briton Riviere and Edwin Henry Landseer, these artists understood how to breathe life into the animals they painted. Some were obsessed with the natural world, committed to educate the public like Abbot Thayer, others like Da Vinci produced some of the earliest animal anatomical studies we have from the Renaissance. We also remember artists such as Munnings, Meissonier, Delacroix, Bonheur, Remington and many others.

In the 30 hour course (plus a 3-hour introductory lesson on the Sunday preceding the first day of class), students work from mounted animals and live animals, 5 days a week, six hours per day.

Class structure

Day 1 –

Introduction to animal anatomy, through diagrams/slideshow/demos, and pointing out anatomical correspondence between animals and humans. Slide show of dioramas and various animal artists.

Drawing taxidermy in studio. sketchbook

Painting taxidermy in studio. 9”x12” panel

Day 2 –

On panels 9”x12”, students will complete 1 painting in the AM, and a second painting in the PM, each from 2 different views.

Painting taxidermy in studio. 9”x12” panel.

Painting taxidermy in studio. 9”x12” panel.

Day 3 –

Students will commit to 1 view and paint one 11” x 14” composition of the Taxidermy specimen in studio. One painting, with two 3 hour sessions.

AM Painting taxidermy in studio. 11” x 14” panel all day.

PM Painting taxidermy in studio, (continued from AM).

Day 4 –

AM: sketchbook work at Specola museum, from taxidermy specimens.

PM: sketchbook work at the hippodrome in Florence. Students will start drawings around the stables; then follow the horses to the walking ring, where they can continue to sketch them in movement.

Day 5 –

Live horse drawing day. Painting from a live horse will set the highest challenge. This is where the unexpected can happen, but the week’s various exercises will put the student in good stead to rise to the challenge. Students will choose over the course of events whether to stick to 1 painting, or produce several sketches.